Key Takeaways:
- The Thriving Kids program is a new scheme that will provide support for children with "mild to moderate" autism or developmental delay, starting in mid-2026.
- Developmental delay refers to a lag in a child’s play and social skills, motor skills, problem-solving skills, self-regulation skills, and communication skills.
- Signs of developmental delay include difficulties with communication, motor coordination, and social skills.
- Parents can start by consulting with their primary care system, such as maternal and child health nurses or GPs, if they notice potential delays in their child’s development.
- The Thriving Kids program aims to provide more targeted and effective support for children with developmental delays, rather than relying on the NDIS.
Introduction to Developmental Delay
The new Thriving Kids program is set to revolutionize the way disability support is provided to children with "mild to moderate" autism or developmental delay. However, many parents may be wondering what exactly developmental delay means and how it can be identified. Developmental delay is an umbrella term that refers to a lag in a child’s play and social skills, motor skills, problem-solving skills, self-regulation skills, and communication skills. According to Dr. Gehan Roberts, a pediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, communication is the most common area where delays tend to occur. Children who do not reach milestones at the expected age levels may be referred to as having a developmental delay, which can be a cause for concern for parents.
Identifying Signs of Developmental Delay
So, how can parents identify if their child has a developmental delay? Melbourne mum Lusia Ford has three sons, including two who are autistic and have developmental disorders. She noticed that her youngest son, Fletcher, was struggling to write his name legibly, which led to a diagnosis of dysgraphia. Similarly, her middle child was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a neurological condition affecting motor coordination, after she noticed that he was falling over a lot. Dr. Roberts advises parents to start by consulting with their primary care system, such as maternal and child health nurses or GPs, if they notice potential delays in their child’s development. From there, the decision could range from "watch and wait" to referring the child to specialists for targeted interventions or upskilling parents.
Supporting Children with Developmental Delays
While pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists have helped Lusia Ford’s boys see improvements, they have also been crucial in supporting her. The therapists have helped her understand what she can do to support her children when they are not in therapy sessions, and how to cement new skills and behaviors at home. The Thriving Kids program aims to provide more targeted and effective support for children with developmental delays, rather than relying on the NDIS. The government wants to scale up the ability of existing community services, such as state-run child health services, GPs, and educational settings, to support families. A new Medicare item for bulk-billed three-year-old health checks is also being considered to pick up any developmental concerns.
The Future of Thriving Kids
Despite the government’s plans to introduce the Thriving Kids program next year, the system is yet to be designed, causing concern in the disability sector and among families. Dr. Roberts says that good, evidence-based information sources will continue to be available, and that the current concern is that the NDIS is seen as the only option for families. He hopes that Thriving Kids will change the options available for families and provide more effective support for children with developmental delays. The government says that kids with "significant and permanent disability" will continue to have access to the NDIS. However, it is unclear how the Thriving Kids program will work in practice, and how it will affect families who are currently relying on the NDIS.
Living with Developmental Delay
Lusia Ford says that there are several things she wishes she knew when starting out on her family’s journey. She says that progress looks different for every child, and that milestones are just markers, not measures of value. Dr. Roberts agrees, saying that parents are the experts in their own children, and that it’s not about all the hours of therapy or taking the child to different clinicians. Rather, it’s about parents understanding their child, what their strengths are, and what areas need to be developed further. He advises parents to trust their gut and seek more information from evidence-based sources if they feel something isn’t right. By working together with healthcare professionals and supporting their children in everyday interactions, parents can help their children with developmental delays to thrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Thriving Kids program is a new scheme that aims to provide more targeted and effective support for children with "mild to moderate" autism or developmental delay. While the program is still in its early stages, it is clear that developmental delay is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. By understanding what developmental delay means, identifying signs of delay, and seeking support from healthcare professionals, parents can help their children to overcome challenges and thrive. As Dr. Roberts says, "we go into this space with the expectation that if we identify the things that need to be changed and provide the necessary inputs, the child will make progress." With the right support and resources, children with developmental delays can lead happy and fulfilling lives.